Act criticized for lack of public consultation, disregard for calls to weigh jury system

Taiwan News
Date: 2020/07/22
By: Huang Tzu-ti, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The passage of the contentious Citizen Judges Act (國民法官法) on Wednesday (July 22) “marked a shameful day in the history of Taiwan democracy,” said Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF) Chairman You Ying-lung (游盈隆).

In a historical vote following three days of review, the legislature passed the 113-article act, which will allow citizens to join professional judges in handing down verdicts in criminal trials. The act goes into effect in 2023.

The move has been hailed by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) as a milestone in the country’s pursuit of judicial reform, with her describing it as ushering in a new era where court rulings will be more transparent and in tune with people’s expectations. Nevertheless, those opposed to it have lambasted the government for hastily pushing through the bill without a sound assessment and without addressing calls to incorporate a jury system.

You, a former member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), castigated the DPP, which holds a majority at the legislature, for ramming through the bill without consulting the public.    [FULL  STORY]